Can you get insurance while pregnant?

Yes — you can absolutely get health insurance while pregnant. Pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition that disqualifies you or forces you to pay more under ACA-compliant plans. In many cases, getting coverage while pregnant is a smart and important move.

🟩 Quick Definition 

Being pregnant does not prevent you from buying health insurance; under U.S. law, insurers cannot deny or charge more for ACA-compliant plans based on pregnancy.

How To Get Covered When You’re Pregnant

1. Marketplace / ACA Plans

   • You can enroll in a health plan during the Open Enrollment Period if you don’t already have coverage.

   • Pregnancy itself does not trigger a Special Enrollment Period under most ACA marketplaces. 

   • All qualified marketplace plans must cover maternity care as an essential health benefit. 

2. Medicaid / CHIP

   • Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, depending on your income. 

   • You can apply for Medicaid at any point in the year, and coverage can start immediately if you qualify. 

3. Employer-Sponsored Insurance

   • If your job (or your partner’s job) offers health insurance, you can enroll in that plan. Pregnancy does not justify denying enrollment. 

   • Once enrolled, your plan must cover prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and newborn care — these are standard benefits in most plans. 

Why Insurance While Pregnant Is Important

• Prenatal check-ups, lab tests, ultrasounds, and birth all come with costs — having coverage helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses. 

• Good insurance ensures you can access quality prenatal and maternity care, specialists, and hospital services.

• Medicaid or marketplace subsidies may make coverage very affordable or even free if your income qualifies. 

FAQs

Q1. Can an insurer deny me coverage because I’m already pregnant?
No — under ACA rules, you can’t be denied or charged more for being pregnant once enrolling in a qualified health plan. 

Q2. Will my insurance cover all prenatal visits and my birth?
Yes — in most ACA-compliant or Medicaid plans, maternity care, prenatal checkups, labor, delivery and newborn care are covered. 

Q3. What if I miss the open enrollment window?
If you’re pregnant, that doesn’t automatically give you a special enrollment period. But if you qualify for Medicaid based on income, you can enroll at any time. 

Q4. Can I get insurance through Medicaid while I’m pregnant?
Yes — many low- to moderate-income pregnant women are eligible for Medicaid, and they can apply at any time. 

Q5. Does being pregnant mean I need a special type of plan?
Not necessarily — most standard ACA plans already cover pregnancy care as part of their essential health benefits. 

Final Thoughts

Being pregnant should not stop you from getting health insurance — and in fact, enrolling early can protect you from massive out-of-pocket costs later. Explore your options: Marketplace plans, Medicaid or employer coverage can all provide the prenatal and birth-related care you need.

Need help finding a health plan that covers maternity care and works for your budget? Fill out the form below for personalized guidance and quotes.